Fumino Sugiyama, Co-Representative Director of Tokyo Rainbow Pride, Takes the Stage | SSUG Conference Program “EGG” Vol. 8
Hello. I am Ikuta from the Public Relations team at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP.
This may be sudden, but SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP has its own conference program called “EGG,” a place for learning. Many of you may be wondering, “What is EGG? An egg? What kind of program is it?” so first, allow me to briefly explain what “EGG” is.
What is “EGG”…
An abbreviation for Entertainment Group Gathering. In the past, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP has invited world-renowned artists and well-known writers from the web industry, among others, to hold a variety of in-house seminars. We have systematized these seminars—previously held as individual “points”—into a cohesive “surface,” and now share them internally and externally as the conference program “EGG.” This initiative is driven by the aim of promoting branding across the entire SSU Group.
The concept is “Update fun.” By inviting professionals active in the worlds of communication and entertainment, we create opportunities to learn “how to engage with society in an enjoyable way—and move it,” from a variety of perspectives, including media, art, advertising, and food marketing.
Conference Program “EGG” Official Website
We are grateful that “EGG” has received a great deal of positive feedback. For this eighth session, we welcomed Fumino Sugiyama, Representative of New Canvas Inc. and Co-Representative Director of the specified nonprofit organization Tokyo Rainbow Pride, as our speaker.
Ms. Sugiyama actively engages in initiatives centered on LGBTQ awareness, including managing restaurants and operating events, as well as giving more than 100 talks a year nationwide and appearing in the media. She was also involved in establishing Japan’s first same-sex partnership system in Shibuya City. She currently also serves as a Director of the Japan Fencing Federation and a Director of the Japanese Olympic Committee, among other roles.
About Fumino Sugiyama (Official Website)
We have had a long-standing relationship with her, including supporting Tokyo Rainbow Pride and having Ms. Sugiyama speak at our new-employee training program.
The theme of this lecture was “LGBTQ for Beginners: Sexual Diversity and Human Rights.”
As awareness of sexual minorities such as “LGBTQ” continues to expand and related initiatives rapidly spread throughout society, PR has also entered an era in which communications about LGBTQ topics require a wide range of careful considerations.
At a time when it has become essential for PR and communication professionals to have accurate knowledge about LGBTQ and communicate appropriately, Ms. Sugiyama spoke from the perspective of someone directly affected, addressing topics that may seem familiar but are often not fully understood—such as “What exactly is LGBTQ?” and “What kinds of challenges do people actually face?”
This session of “EGG,” held at the SUNNY SIDE UP office, was attended in person mainly by members who joined the company in 2022. Including those who participated online, more than 60 members in total took part and learned together.
New graduate members listened intently to Ms. Sugiyama’s talk…
Although the lecture was only 60 minutes and ended in the blink of an eye, during the Q afterward, questions such as “Is there anything parents should be mindful of regarding their children’s sexuality?” were raised. There were also many comments in response to Ms. Sugiyama’s story about how coming out during her student days made life easier, such as: “Systems and initiatives for LGBTQ are being updated and created every day, but I felt that proactively creating an environment where (those directly affected) can come out more easily may lead to an environment where everyone can live more comfortably.”
Regarding this lecture, Ms. Sugiyama commented, “I was very happy to receive requests and questions about basic LGBTQ knowledge and media representation. It was a short time, but it was a place where I truly felt that everyone listened sincerely.”
Each member who attended was able to spend a fulfilling time.
Once again, Ms. Sugiyama, thank you very much for your lecture.
▼Related URLs for Fumino Sugiyama
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New Canvas Inc.
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In addition, for the next “EGG,” international image consultant and Keidanren Executive Director Miko Oyama is scheduled to speak. Participation is open to everyone, not only members of SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP, so we encourage you to join us.
▼Click here for details
Date Time: Friday, October 7, 12:30–13:30 (Online)
*You may join or leave at any time. A Q session will also be provided.
Event overview page: https://eggconference.com/
Application form: https://eggconference.com/join/
*Registration is required to participate.
